Granada is a stunning and historic city in the Andalusia region of the south of Spain. Positioned at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it is famous for its striking architectural character, which largely reflects Moorish occupation during the Middle Ages. While the most famous attraction in the city is, no doubt, the Alhambra palace complex, there are plenty of other things to see and do. Many make a day trip to see the Alhambra or just spend a couple of days in the area but if you find a vacation rental in Granada you'll find that there will be lots to keep you occupied. Or find a vacation rental in Andalusia and take a few trips to the charming city. Whatever route you decide on, be sure to pencil in these excellent activities...
Here's what to see and do in Granada.
Here's what to see and do in Granada.
1. Wander the Iconic Palace And Buildings of The Alhambra
Look, it's an obvious choice but a necessary one. If you visit Granada, you can't miss out on this extraordinary example of Moorish architecture in Spain. Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, this iconic complex of buildings is made up of a fortress, palace, summer retreat, and walled town and is a sumptuous feast for the eyes all around. Be sure to book well in advance as it is, far and above, the most famous attraction in town, and then set aside plenty of time to wander the buildings, courtyards, gardens, and more and be prepared to get lost in the fantastical beauty of it all.
2. Explore the Incredible Gardens of The Generalife
The Generalife is yet another must-see 13th century complex made up of a palace and series of large gardens in Granada. Located on the slopes of the Hill of the Sun, it boasts panoramic views over the city and is a stunning place where plant life, landscaping, buildings and setting are all combined masterfully in order to create a perfect oasis of calm. One of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens and a UNESCO awarded site, it is a spectacularly beautiful place.
Look, it's an obvious choice but a necessary one. If you visit Granada, you can't miss out on this extraordinary example of Moorish architecture in Spain. Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, this iconic complex of buildings is made up of a fortress, palace, summer retreat, and walled town and is a sumptuous feast for the eyes all around. Be sure to book well in advance as it is, far and above, the most famous attraction in town, and then set aside plenty of time to wander the buildings, courtyards, gardens, and more and be prepared to get lost in the fantastical beauty of it all.
2. Explore the Incredible Gardens of The Generalife
The Generalife is yet another must-see 13th century complex made up of a palace and series of large gardens in Granada. Located on the slopes of the Hill of the Sun, it boasts panoramic views over the city and is a stunning place where plant life, landscaping, buildings and setting are all combined masterfully in order to create a perfect oasis of calm. One of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens and a UNESCO awarded site, it is a spectacularly beautiful place.
3. Take In the Sunset at The Mirador de San Nicolas
This well-known spot is incredibly popular as it boasts, perhaps, the most breathtaking view over both the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Take in the sunset and the view but don't expect solitude.
4. Be Awed By Granada's Grand and Breathtaking Cathedral
Granada's Cathedral of the Incarnation, or Catedral de Granada, Santa Iglesia Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación de Granada, is one of the glittering architectural gems of the city. Built in the 16th century, it is a Baroque beauty with a grand and breathtaking monochrome interior and a striking exterior. The scale and grandeur is extraordinary and it is a deeply impressive example of the city's rich architectural heritage.
5. Get Lost on Purpose in the Stunning Historic District of Albaicín
The Albaicín, or Albayzín, is a district of the city that is marked by, and distinctive for, its narrow winding streets and Medieval Moorish character. Beautiful and boasting some excellent views over the city, the area is the perfect place to get a little lost, wander, explore, and discover surprises around every corner that will make you fall in love with the city...
This well-known spot is incredibly popular as it boasts, perhaps, the most breathtaking view over both the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Take in the sunset and the view but don't expect solitude.
4. Be Awed By Granada's Grand and Breathtaking Cathedral
Granada's Cathedral of the Incarnation, or Catedral de Granada, Santa Iglesia Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación de Granada, is one of the glittering architectural gems of the city. Built in the 16th century, it is a Baroque beauty with a grand and breathtaking monochrome interior and a striking exterior. The scale and grandeur is extraordinary and it is a deeply impressive example of the city's rich architectural heritage.
5. Get Lost on Purpose in the Stunning Historic District of Albaicín
The Albaicín, or Albayzín, is a district of the city that is marked by, and distinctive for, its narrow winding streets and Medieval Moorish character. Beautiful and boasting some excellent views over the city, the area is the perfect place to get a little lost, wander, explore, and discover surprises around every corner that will make you fall in love with the city...
6. Go on a Tapas Walking Tour and Sample The Delicious Local Cuisine
If you want to explore the city in a more structured way and snack en route, then a tapas tour might be just the ticket! This option on Viator lasts two and a half hours and takes you on a culinary and cultural tour of Granada's Albaicín district, bringing you to sights such as Plaza Nueva and the Church of Santa Ana Church, stopping in at tapas bars that are local favourites along the way. While you stop and sample food, you can also grab some wine, a draught beer or a soft drink in each bar; a perfectly delicious and relaxed way to experience the city if you book a holiday rental in beautiful Granada.
7. Take a Hike in the Majestic and Picturesque Sierra Nevada National Park
As noted, Granada is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and, as such, is perfectly located for a hiking expedition on one of your days in the city. The highest range in the country and largest in the area, it is a beautiful and protected national park that boasts plenty of hiking options for different levels of expertise, amounts of free time, and varied interests. Figure out the right view for you, dress appropriately and then spend a day taking in the fresh air, amazing views, and explore the valleys, forests, and rivers of this majestic place.
If you want to explore the city in a more structured way and snack en route, then a tapas tour might be just the ticket! This option on Viator lasts two and a half hours and takes you on a culinary and cultural tour of Granada's Albaicín district, bringing you to sights such as Plaza Nueva and the Church of Santa Ana Church, stopping in at tapas bars that are local favourites along the way. While you stop and sample food, you can also grab some wine, a draught beer or a soft drink in each bar; a perfectly delicious and relaxed way to experience the city if you book a holiday rental in beautiful Granada.
7. Take a Hike in the Majestic and Picturesque Sierra Nevada National Park
As noted, Granada is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and, as such, is perfectly located for a hiking expedition on one of your days in the city. The highest range in the country and largest in the area, it is a beautiful and protected national park that boasts plenty of hiking options for different levels of expertise, amounts of free time, and varied interests. Figure out the right view for you, dress appropriately and then spend a day taking in the fresh air, amazing views, and explore the valleys, forests, and rivers of this majestic place.
8. Unwind and Take a Dip in The Ancient And Lovely Hammam Al Andalus Arab Baths
After all that hiking, or even without it, there's nothing better than a spa day to unwind during your holidays and Granada, of course, has an especially picturesque and interesting option for those looking to do just that. At one point, Arab baths dotted the city but after the period of Arabic rule during the Middle Ages. However, once Catholic monarchs took charge of the city, these institutions were closed down. The first to be reopened, centuries later was the Hammam Al Andalus Baths, which can still be visited and used today. Beautiful, evocative, and tranquil, it is the ideal place to come and bathe in the hot waters and try various treatments including massages and holistic experiences.
9. Shop in the Historic Alcaicería Neighbourhood
This was originally just some streets located between Plaza Nueva and Plaza Bib-Rambla that were lined with market stalls and eventually the whole neighbourhood became a marketplace. While much was lost to a fire in 1843, the area remains a popular and traditional shopping district, marked by the Grand Bazaar, which is a traditional Arab souk made up of lots of different little shops, restaurants, and more. You'll find lots of touristy stands and souvenirs, which is fine, if that's what you're after. However, hidden amongst these stores and stalls, hidden gems await to be unearthed so set aside some time and really explore the area – you never know what you might find!
After all that hiking, or even without it, there's nothing better than a spa day to unwind during your holidays and Granada, of course, has an especially picturesque and interesting option for those looking to do just that. At one point, Arab baths dotted the city but after the period of Arabic rule during the Middle Ages. However, once Catholic monarchs took charge of the city, these institutions were closed down. The first to be reopened, centuries later was the Hammam Al Andalus Baths, which can still be visited and used today. Beautiful, evocative, and tranquil, it is the ideal place to come and bathe in the hot waters and try various treatments including massages and holistic experiences.
9. Shop in the Historic Alcaicería Neighbourhood
This was originally just some streets located between Plaza Nueva and Plaza Bib-Rambla that were lined with market stalls and eventually the whole neighbourhood became a marketplace. While much was lost to a fire in 1843, the area remains a popular and traditional shopping district, marked by the Grand Bazaar, which is a traditional Arab souk made up of lots of different little shops, restaurants, and more. You'll find lots of touristy stands and souvenirs, which is fine, if that's what you're after. However, hidden amongst these stores and stalls, hidden gems await to be unearthed so set aside some time and really explore the area – you never know what you might find!
10. Stop by the Truly Beautiful Royal Chapel
The Royal Chapel of Granada, or Capilla Real de Granada, is another Renaissance architectural gem and one of the city's loveliest buildings. Constructed between 1505 and 1517, it contains the tombs of the Spanish monarchs, Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand, the so-called Catholic Monarchs. Richly ornamented with a sculpted facade executed in light stone and a gilded interior featuring lots of different artworks and monuments, it is a sumptuous feast for the eyes and, in addition to everything else, the building also contains a gallery of artworks and other items associated with Queen Isabella. Another of the city's must-see architectural beauties for those who have found the perfect villa rental in picturesque Granada
So, if you were thinking about visiting Granada, ponder on it no more! What are you waiting for? The city and its rich history, vibrant culture, varied sights, delicious flavours, hidden gems, and twists and turns awaits. Come explore this wonderful city in Spain and you are sure to fall for its rather unique and abundant charms like so many have done before!
The Royal Chapel of Granada, or Capilla Real de Granada, is another Renaissance architectural gem and one of the city's loveliest buildings. Constructed between 1505 and 1517, it contains the tombs of the Spanish monarchs, Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand, the so-called Catholic Monarchs. Richly ornamented with a sculpted facade executed in light stone and a gilded interior featuring lots of different artworks and monuments, it is a sumptuous feast for the eyes and, in addition to everything else, the building also contains a gallery of artworks and other items associated with Queen Isabella. Another of the city's must-see architectural beauties for those who have found the perfect villa rental in picturesque Granada
So, if you were thinking about visiting Granada, ponder on it no more! What are you waiting for? The city and its rich history, vibrant culture, varied sights, delicious flavours, hidden gems, and twists and turns awaits. Come explore this wonderful city in Spain and you are sure to fall for its rather unique and abundant charms like so many have done before!